It’s Monday which means party time, right? Right? Okay, I know that’s a stretch as I don’t usually celebrate the beginning of the week, but today is different. Why all the hoopla? It’s just two days and counting until Keys To The Kitchen is officially released!

Sure, I’ve been spreading the word for the last month, but the book isn’t officially official until this week — this Wednesday to be exact. But, I’m not very patient, so I figured we could start clinking the glasses and gussying up for the party a few days early, and, since I’m not good at goodbyes, I figured we’d make this a week-long party. To celebrate the occasion, I asked some of my favorite food people to join in the fun and pull up a (virtual) seat for a Keys To The Kitchen Virtual Dinner Party.

When I lived in Italy, one of my friends would always refer to dinner as the time where we would fare una pausa or take a break. That’s really what this book’s about because we eat three times a day so we might as well have a good time doing it — ideally with great people involved. So, this week, we’ve got some rather entertaining eaters, fellow food people, and bloggers, pulling up a chair for the Keys To The Kitchen Virtual Dinner Party, which will run from today through next Monday, October 29th.

Some of my favorite food people are participating so visit their sites as they post recipes, host Keys To The Kitchen giveaways, and help celebrate the officially official release!

Keys To The Kitchen is a technique-based cookbook that is a modern manual to the kitchen. Organized into four main sections: The Set-Up, The How-To, The Recipes and The Riff, Keys to the Kitchen takes you from the store to the stove with over 300 original, whole foods-based recipes.

“Filled to the brim with information that makes being in the kitchen infinitely easier! It’s basically the modern day Joy of Cooking.”

In the first two sections, you’ll learn how to shop, what to keep in your pantry, which appliances are essential (and which are “nice to have”), as well as fundamental cooking techniques. If you’re a novice to intermediate level cook, these sections will build confidence and improve your basic kitchen skills.

The Recipes section features easy-to-follow recipes, accompanied by Alex Farnum’s beautiful photography. With a unique combination of flavors and textures, such as Indian Burritos with Curried Cauliflower and Coconut Chai Coffee Cake, each recipe also features additional tips and tricks, including alternative flavor combinations and suggested substitutions for hard-to-find ingredients.

“Just what I needed – a well organized, resourceful cookbook to help me navigate and enjoy working in my kitchen. Great references and descriptions of “how to”. This is so much more than just recipes!”

In the fourth and final section, The Riff, you’ll learn how to go beyond just following a recipe and begin “cooking from the hip.” It includes an additional 100 recipes, weeknight menu ideas, entertaining tips, and how to re-invent last night’s leftovers.

Keys To The Kitchen can’t cook for you, but it can help you become a better cook!

OMG!!! Love the video Aida, I am so excited to chat it up about your book. Stay tuned mid-week for my post…working on it today!

http://www.aidamollenkamp.com Aida Mollenkamp

Thanks, Marla! I really appreciate all your support!

http://twitter.com/TheUrbanMrs Linda

Aida – I’m so excited for you. I’ve been watching you on TV and following you – oh, I sound like a stalker, lol – but you’re ah-ma-zing. Love your style on your book and I can’t wait to give each recipe a try!

http://www.aidamollenkamp.com Aida Mollenkamp

Thanks, Linda — promise I don’t think you’re a stalker and am totally flattered that you follow my work. Thanks much for the support!

Tracey @ Cooking With Love

Great video, and congratulations on your new book Aida! Can’t wait to get my copy!!

http://www.aidamollenkamp.com Aida Mollenkamp

Thanks, Tracey!

http://twitter.com/cleanandproper Sarah Jane Dunaway

Love this and can’t wait to get a copy of the book! Definitely going on my holiday shopping list this year!

http://www.aidamollenkamp.com Aida Mollenkamp

Oh, great, Sarah — I’m so glad I made the holiday shopping list! By the way, I’ll be headed your way in a few weeks to do events at DC Sweetgreen locations on 11/12 at Capitol Hill and 11/14 in Ballston. Hope to cross paths!

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Hi there, thanks for stopping by! Just so you know, I'm no longer posting recipes and kitchen tips on this site. You can now find me at Salt & Wind a new online food and travel resource that I've created along with a fabulous group of contributors.